France Pre-Departure Health

In your passport, write the names of any people you wish to be contacted in case of a medical emergency and list any allergies or medical conditions. Matching a prescription to a foreign equivalent is not always easy, safe, or possible, so, if you take prescription drugs, consider carrying up-to-date prescriptions or a statement from your doctor stating the medication’s trade name, manufacturer, chemical name, and dosage. While traveling, be sure to keep all medication with you in your carry-on luggage. For tips on packing a first-aid kit and other health essentials, see.

The French names for common drugs include aspirine (aspirin), pénicilline (penicillin), antihistaminique (antihistamines), and ibuprofène (ibuprofen).

Travelers over two years old should make sure that these vaccines are up to date: MMR (for measles, mumps, and rubella); DTaP or Td (for diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis); IPV (for polio); Hib (for haemophilus influenzae B); and HepB (for Hepatitis B). For recommendations on immunizations and prophylaxis, ask the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC; below) in the US or the equivalent in your country and check with a doctor for guidance.

Useful Organizations And Publications

The American Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC; ☎+1-877-FYI-TRIP; www.cdc.gov/travel) maintains an international travelers’ hotline and an informative website. Consult the appropriate government agency of your home country for consular information sheets on health, entry requirements, and other issues for various countries (see the listings in the box on Travel Advisories, ). For quick information on health and other travel warnings, call the Overseas Citizens Services (M-F 8am-8pm from overseas ☎+1-202-501-4444, from US ☎888-407-4747; line open M-F 8am-8pm EST) or contact a passport agency, embassy, or consulate abroad. For information on medical evacuation services and travel insurance firms, see the US government’s website at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/tips_1232.html#health or the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (www.fco.gov.uk). For general health information, contact the American Red Cross (☎+1-202-303-4498; www.redcross.org).